mermaid

noun

mer·​maid ˈmər-ˌmād 

: a fabled marine creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish

Examples of mermaid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rae wore a plaid sequined mermaid skirt designed by Thom Browne, pairing it with a gray corset top, a Mikimoto pearl necklace and a conch shell, which stood in for a clutch. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024

Estefania created not one but two looks: an Italian Armani satin and French lace mermaid style with a high neck and a plunging back for the ceremony, as well as a more streamlined lace dress for the reception. —Erin Clack, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024

Among the costumes were a pumpkin, Harry Potter, a mermaid, a tiny frog in a blue truck, Pac-Man, and even grape jelly. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 1 Nov. 2024

Tinker bells and mermaids, and there are so many more statues of women as mythical figures than women who have lived and fought and celebrated. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mermayde, from mere sea (from Old English) + mayde maid — more at marine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mermaid

noun

mer·​maid ˈmər-ˌmād 

: an imaginary sea creature usually represented with a woman's body and a fish's tail

Etymology

Middle English mermayde "mermaid," from mere "lake, pool, sea" and mayde "maid"